Numerical simulation study on the flow dynamics and reaction kinetics of CO2 bubble in monoethanolamine solution

Due to the large-scale consumption of fossil fuels and the extensive emission of combustion gases, the greenhouse effect has intensified, with CO2 being one of the primary greenhouse gases causing severe environmental impacts. To address this issue, this paper investigates the flow and gas–liquid interface mass transfer behavior of CO2 bubbles in monoethanolamine solution through numerical simulations, validated by experimental data. The study reveals that under different Archimedes numbers (Ar), vortex structures and volume distributions vary significantly. At high Ar values, complex vortex systems form, with the maximum vorticity generated by the bubbles reaching up to 30 rad/s. Bubbles with different initial diameters exhibit distinct dynamic behaviors and mass transfer characteristics during ascent. Larger bubbles exhibit higher mass transfer rates and more complex vortex structures. In the initial stage of ascent, the mass transfer flux increases rapidly, reaching up to 1.3 × 10−7 kg/(m2·s). The results of this study fill the gap in existing research on numerical simulations of reactive bubbles in confined environments. We provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing relevant reactors' geometric characteristics and operational parameters and enhance the understanding of gas–liquid two-phase flow and mass transfer behavior.